Social Services Director

Position Title

Social Services Director

Reports To

Administrator / Executive Director

Position Summary

The Social Services Director is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Social Services Department in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, facility policies, and resident needs. This position advocates for residents' psychosocial well-being, assists with discharge planning, facilitates resident and family communication, and promotes the highest practicable level of physical, mental, and emotional health for residents in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Care & Psychosocial Services

• Complete psychosocial assessments for all residents upon admission and as required.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized care plans addressing psychosocial needs.
• Provide counseling, support, and crisis intervention to residents and families.
• Identify and address issues related to adjustment, grief, depression, anxiety, abuse, neglect, and family concerns.
• Advocate for resident rights and ensure dignity, privacy, and self-determination.
• Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.

Admission & Discharge Planning

• Coordinate admissions and assist residents and families with transition planning.
• Facilitate safe and effective discharge planning, collaborating with nursing, therapy, physicians, and community resources.
• Arrange referrals for community services, home health agencies, hospice providers, transportation, and durable medical equipment as needed.
• Ensure timely completion and documentation of discharge plans.

Family & Resident Relations

• Serve as a liaison between residents, families, and facility staff.
• Conduct family meetings to address concerns and establish care goals.
• Assist with resident and family education regarding facility services, benefits, and available resources.
• Support resident adjustment to long-term care placement or short-term rehabilitation stays.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to social services in long-term care.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the medical record.
• Assist during state surveys and regulatory inspections.
• Investigate grievances and ensure appropriate follow-up and resolution.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work closely with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, activities, and medical staff.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Contribute to efforts aimed at improving resident satisfaction and quality outcomes.
• Identify residents at risk for psychosocial distress and coordinate interventions.

Department Management

• Develop departmental goals, policies, and procedures.
• Manage social services staff, if applicable, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
• Monitor workload and ensure efficient department operations.
• Maintain community partnerships and referral networks.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of social services experience in a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, hospital, or long-term care setting preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Current Social Work license as required by state regulations.
• Nursing Home Social Services certification or equivalent, if required by state law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of skilled nursing and rehabilitation regulations.
• Strong understanding of discharge planning and care coordination.
• Excellent communication, counseling, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to build relationships with residents, families, physicians, and staff.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and reach as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff.